admin
Tadious Manyepo in SHAMVA
Simba Bhora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
INNOCENT BENZA continues to set and break records year after year in the domestic Premiership.
Clocking 53 years of age last Sunday, the Herentals striker became the first active player at his age at a professional level on the African continent, when he helped the Students to a goalless draw against Simba Bhora at Wadzanai yesterday.
Benza first became the oldest player in the league when he made his top-flight debut at 46 in 2018.
He has since scored five goals in the Premiership, as he continues to show some good glimpses at this level.
Benza was at his best yesterday with his performance deserving a win for Herentals but in the end, his team could only settle for a point.
“I am grateful to the Almighty for all the grace,” said Benza.
“I am always training and keeping an eye on my diet.
“I am also very particular about personal discipline, I think that’s what keeps me going.
“As a human being, you always feel happy to attain those records. I love football and playing alongside my son Tino makes it even sweeter.”
With a bit of luck, Herentals could have won the match but, just like their hosts, they fluffed the chances that came their way.
Simba Bhora goalkeeper Simba Chinani made his first appearance this season and gave a good account of him-self in between the posts.
The match started on a high tempo and Mtokhozisi Msebe got the first chance of the match but somehow fluffed his lines after being fed by Harrison Masina inside the box with 20 minutes on the clock.
Soon after the break, Masina shrugged off his markers but he could not beat Herentals goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi in a one versus one situation.
Then Herentals took the game to their opponents but they could not really fashion out some clear-cut chances and in the end, a draw was probably the fairer result for either side.
Meanwhile, Ngezi Platinum coach Takesure Chiragwi was at a loss for words to describe his team’s 2-1 victory over Chegutu Pirates in a Mashonaland West derby tie at Baobab.
Talent Chamboko and Tatenda Benhura scored in each half to secure Ngezi’s second consecutive win.
Pirates’ top goal scorer, Cleopas Dube, narrowed the lead with an acrobatic kick, that gave Nelson Chadya no chance. Ngezi overcame TelOne 2-0 at the same venue last Saturday.
An elated Chiragwi praised his team for their performance.
“It’s important to secure points along the way.
“The reason we won today is because we maintained possession of the ball.
“The boys wanted to win from the onset as evidenced by their attempts at goal,” said Chiragwi.
Pirates’ assistant coach, Godfrey Tamirepi felt they should have left Baobab with at least a point.
“The result doesn’t accurately represent our performance.
“We were creating opportunities but we couldn’t convert them into goals,” Tamirepi said.
Online Reporter